How to Create the Perfect Gift Basket

Updated on October 29, 2011

Gift Baskets Make Excellent Gifts

This is the time of year when most of us are trying to think of creative gifts for loved ones. Sometimes Christmas shopping for certain people is a major challenge. You may have a friend who has everything. You could also be low on cash and having a tough time finding a nice gift. I would suggest making gift baskets if you need some fun ideas.

Gift baskets are the perfect gift for just about anyone because you can personalize them. If you have a friend that loves candles, you can put a number of candles in the basket, along with some other fun items like favorite foods, candies, shower gels, a small stuffed animal, and more. Also, many people like to receive gift cards for Christmas, yet some people feel guilty about only giving a card in an envelope. Simply include the gift card with a small gift basket and you've solved your problem.

If you are running low on money this year, a gift basket works out well if you start planning in advance. When you see something small your friends or family members might like, you can buy it, then set it aside for their gift baskets. Often, you can find small, thoughtful items at the dollar store, Target, Walmart, and Kmart all throughout the year. The important thing is remembering where you put the items later on. I would suggest keeping a secret box stuffed away in a closet somewhere in your home. When you see something you like (especially if it is on clearance for a great price), purchase the item and then stash it away in the box for later. When you go to create your gift baskets, pull out the box. You may have even forgotten some of the items in the box, so it is almost like Christmas for you, too!

Food Gift Baskets

I am a big believer in the practical food gift basket for loved ones who may need a little extra help during the holidays. The perfect items for food gift baskets are non-perishable items such as: soup, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, cereal bars, granola bars, pasta, pasta sauce, and other forms of canned or boxed food.

When giving something really practical like a food gift basket, it helps if you make it look as festive as possible if you are giving it as a Christmas gift. Make sure to add a chocolate Santa or perhaps a small stuffed snowman. Being cute goes a long way!

Stuff for Guys

The Manly Gift Basket

Yes, you may not think this is possible, but you can give a man a thoughtful gift basket. Men like food, too. And yes, some men do enjoy candles, aftershave, and even shower gels! No, not every guy will admit to it though. It helps to find out what the man in your life really needs and what brands he uses as far as aftershave and type of thing goes. For some reason, many younger men seem to enjoy Axe products now. Considering the price and the popularity of Axe, if you find out a dude in your life likes that brand, just fill up a basket with Axe products. He will probably be very happy.

It never hurts to add some other items he may enjoy, too. Perhaps he would like a DVD or two. If you are feeling really generous, maybe even a video game. Once again, it can be personalized depending on the guy. Age will also play a big part in this, too. Unless Grandpa has specifically stated how much he loves video games, a nice fruit basket is probably a safer bet with him.

The Girly Gift Basket

Let's face it, most women love a cute gift basket. If you are creating a gift basket for that special lady in your life, it also helps to find out what brands and scents she prefers. A nice Christmas gift basket for a woman can easily include: candles, shower gels, perfume, body spray, chocolates, cute stuffed animals, etc. Yes, depending on the person, food might be a very welcome gift. A gift card to her favorite store will surely be appreciated as well.

For men, if you are buying this for a girlfriend or wife, it never hurts to even sneak some jewelry in there. If you are making this gift basket all on your own, you include some of her favorite things, and you put some jewelry in there, you are surely the best boyfriend or husband ever. Something tells me Christmas is going to go really well for you.

As I said before, it really depends on the person. Many women enjoy video games, movies, books, and that type of thing. Those also make great gift basket items. I personally really enjoy cute socks with patterns on them. Many women would be more than happy to see something like that in their gift basket, as well.

Even More Gift Hubs:

Fun with Gift Baskets

Lately, I feel like Christmas has just become too commercial. That is why a sweet, thoughtful gift basket is perfect. It shows you took a lot of time to think about items a person will enjoy. Instead of grabbing one major gift, you are giving many small gifts and it is presented in a really adorable way. What better way to show you really care?

Also, gift baskets are fun and reusable! You can actually put some creativity into Christmas this year. When you give a person a gift basket, maybe they can reuse it next year when they give someone else a gift. It is not really regifting; it is resharing. Isn't that what the holiday season should be all about?

Comments 14 comments

What a timely hub! I start shopping for Christmas in October and I'm now putting together a basket (well, a big paper bag actually) for my dad! Thanks for the suggestion. A basket filled with Axe products would be good. I also plan to add in shirts and pants and vitamins for my dad so I have to figure out how I can put everything together.

VendettaVixen 5 years ago from Ireland

Kerlynb's comment made me think of an aunt and uncle who always give me my Christmas present in a lovely gift bag.

When I open it on Christmas morning, it's always filled with lots of small but adorable items. Presents like that are great to receive.

Brilliant hub. I love getting cool socks, too.

Jeannieinabottle 5 years ago from Baltimore, MD Author

kerlynb - Thanks for reading and for the comment. That sounds like a really great gift basket for your dad. It makes more sense than buying one big gift that someone may not even need.

VendettaVixen - Thanks for the compliment! Good to find another fun socks fan out there. Your aunt and uncle sound like they give great gift bags.

Frannie Dee 5 years ago from Chicago Northwest Suburb

Thank you...you have jump started my brain! I'm now thinking about baskets for Christmas. Great Hub!

Jeannieinabottle 5 years ago from Baltimore, MD Author

I am glad this hub was helpful for you. I hope you are able to put together some awesome Christmas gift baskets. Thanks for the comment!

I love to give and receive gift baskets. I have a closet in my craft room that I call "Santa's Secret Closet" where I stash potential gift basket items throughout the year. Thanks for giving me some new ideas for this Christmas!

Jeannieinabottle 5 years ago from Baltimore, MD Author

Thank you both for the comments. I am glad you found this hub useful. Gift baskets do make great gifts!

stephaniedas 5 years ago from Miami, US

This is a great gift idea. I love getting gift baskets. Sometimes when I travel, I collect small items and souvenirs from that place to make little gift boxes for my family when I return.

Jeannieinabottle 5 years ago from Baltimore, MD Author

Thanks for reading and for the comment. It sounds like you make really nice gift boxes for your family. What a good idea to collect items while traveling. Thanks for sharing!

carol7777 4 years ago from Arizona

I enjoyed reading your hub. I was in the business for 14 years in three cities. Wrote a book on the subject. You put together very good ideas and ways to produce beautiful baskets. The business was huge in the 1990s... and beyond. I think the wave has crested but I still love them. Thanks for sharing.

Jeannieinabottle 4 years ago from Baltimore, MD Author

That sounds like a fun business. Sometimes I think about starting my own gift basket business, but I do wonder if perhaps people are not buying that type of thing as much. Your comment has given me something to think about. Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks for checking out my hub!

fruitgiftbaskets 3 years ago from Long Island City

Gift Baskets are such a blessing to others, when you put your heart and time into them. The receiver can usually tell how much effort was put into a gift basket. Keep sharing awesome gift ideas. :)

Jeannieinabottle 3 years ago from Baltimore, MD Author

Thanks so much for your comment. I really appreciate it. I love receiving and creating gift baskets.